Nag Kumar Charita

SR No.: 036460
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Pushpadant Mahakavi
Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith
Publication Year: 1972
Total Pages: 352
Language: Hindi, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_Devnagari
File Size: 337 MB

Page 39

POPULARITY OF THE HERO IX practices amongst which is also to be found the story of Nagakumara Kamadeva, which is in substantial agreement with our story. (Text with translation published in Jivaraja Granthamala, Sholapur, No. 14.) 6. Candrasagara Brahmacari is said to have written Nagakumarasagpadi in mixed Sanskrit and Kanarese, six thousand slokas in extent (JG 79 ). 7. Jina Muni is said to have written Nagakumarasat padi in Sanskrit with a commentary in Kanyakubja Bhasa ( JG 98 ). 8. Dharmadhara is said to have written Nagakumara-katha ( IG 137 ). 9. Mallibhusana Bhattaraka is said to have written Nagakumara-carita about Samvat 1510. He is also said to be the author of Bhairava-Padmavati-Kalpa, Patrakesari-katha, Sripalacarita and Sajjanacittavallabha (JG 215 ). 10. Mallisena is said to have written Nagakumara carita in Kanarese. A MS of this work, consisting of fifteen palm-leaves, is deposited in the Jaina-SiddhantaBhavana, Arrah (JSA 378 ). The work is said to be one thousand Slokas in extent. This author is probably identical with No. 3 above, who is said to be Ubhayabhasa-cakravarti, i.e. master of two languages, probably Sanskrit and Kanarese. 11. Bahubali Kavirajahamsa wrote Nagakumara-carita in Kanarese. A MS. of the work consisting of sixtytwo palm-leaves is deposited in the Jaina-SiddhantaBhavana, Arrah (JSA 379 ). 12. Ratnakara Kavi wrote Nagakumara-carita in Kanarese. A MS. of this work, consisting of 126 palm-leaves, is deposited in the Jaina-Siddhanta-Bhavana, Arrah (SA 380 ). 13. There is a Nagakumarakavya in Tamil (SIJ P. 103 ). 14. Nathamala Vilala wrote Nagakumara-carita in Hindi verse. He is said to have lived at Bharatapur and written about Samvat 1834 = 1777 A. D. He is credited with the authorship of four other works. Jinagunavilasa, Siddhantasara, Jivandhara-carita and Jambusuami-carita. (JG 7; HJSI p. 80.) 15. Gopilala wrote Nagakumara-carita in Hindi verse. He is credited with the authorship of two other works ( JG 22 ). 16. Udayalala Kasalivala translated the work of Mallisena in Hindi prose (pub. Bombay, 1913). 17. An ancient praksta work of unknown date, Nivvana-kanca, mentions. Nagakumara as a great sage who, along with his two associates Vyala and Mahavyala attained salvation from the Astapada mountain (pub. Bombay 1914 ). णायकुमारमुणिंदो वालमहावाल चेव अज्झेया। अट्टावयगिरिसिहरे णिन्वाण गया णमो तेसिं // 15 // 18. An Apabhramsa work Savayadhammadoha mentions Nagadatta as having attained heaven by the observance of a fast and subsequently reborn as Nagakumara - उपवासहु इक्कहु फलई संबोहियपरिवार / णायदत्तु दिवि देउ हुउ पुणरवि णायकुमार // 111 / / The above list can not be claimed to be exhaustive. But it is sufficient to show how popular the story of Nagakumara has been with Jaina authors from ancient times down almost to the present day. It is probable that some authors utilized the theme prior to Puspadanta, but unless and until their works are II P.P.AC. Gunratnasuri M.S. Jun Gun Aaradhak Trust